The ______ in fetal circulation allows blood from the right atrium to directly enter the left atrium.
A)umbilical cord
B)arterial duct
C)foramen ovale
D)venous duct
E)right ventricle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The foramen ovale is a small opening in the wall between the right and left atria of the fetal heart. It allows oxygenated blood to bypass the non-functional fetal lungs and flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium, which then pumps it out to the body. This is important for oxygenation of the fetal tissues before birth. After birth, the foramen ovale typically closes, and blood flows through the pulmonary circulation to pick up oxygen in the lungs.

The ______ in Fetal Circulation Allows Blood from the Right